Massachusetts bans many animals

The use of wild animals for human entertainment is a controversial topic to say the least. In February, legislation moved one step closer to reality with a statewide ban on wild animals in traveling circuses.

Law relating to the use of elephants, big cats, monkeys, giraffes and bears in travelling exhibitions and shows ( Q.2197/ Q.2189/ H.3245(The Circus Bill), known as the “Circus Bill,” would ban the use of certain wild animals in circuses and traveling performances in the Commonwealth. It would not affect traditional facilities.

The circus was a big deal here in western Massachusetts until animal rights activists called in. The town of Dalton used to host the Kelly Miller Circus every year until late 2010 when things changed.

Global public opinion on the use of wild animals in circuses has shifted sharply in recent years against the use of animals in performances. Mexico banned the practice just last month, joining most countries in Europe and Central and South America in adding the law to the books.Berkshire Eagle.com

Circus operators have sworn over the years to treat animals with respect, but numerous abuses have proven otherwise. Travel is hard on the animals, it's an unnatural life, and the tricks they perform are frightening to them.

Eight states and about 150 other localities in 37 states have already passed various restrictions governing the use of wild animals in circuses and traveling shows—including fourteen municipalities in Massachusetts: Amherst, Braintree, Cambridge, Mendon, Northampton, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Provincetown, Quincy, Revere, Somerville, Topsfield, Weymouth, and Wilmington.-aldf.org

The famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus ceased operations in 2017 due to an overwhelming public outcry in defense of animals, but in 2023 it reopened in its non-animal version.

But while some industries have evolved, others, such as the Shriners Circus, Carden's Circus, the Loomis Bros. Circus, and the Culpeper & Merriweather Circus, still use wild animals. At many local and state fairs and festivals, tigers, lions, bears, and sea lions are still forced to perform circus tricks.humanesociety.org